Tag: text scam

As seasons change, so do scammer SMiShing targets. From summer to autumn, we’re seeing a new wave of scams that are affecting trendier companies, such as Uber, while other scammers are seizing the opportunity to use the political season to their advantage!

Bank scams reign king

Per usual, bank scams reign king and are flooding phones from the U.S. to as far as Australia. Bank of America customers in the U.S. are receiving authorization codes to make online payments, while international banks in the U.K. (Natwest Bank) and Australia (Commonwealth Bank) are using scare tactics and notifying customers that their accounts have been compromised and locked. As always, HMRC SMiShing in the U.K. won’t give the IRS scam a rest as they provide links for consumers to click to redeem their refunds.

To warn and keep their customers safe from scammers HMRC is sending the following:

Targeting Apple craze

With all the hype of Apple’s unveiling of the iPhone 7 and iOS 10 update, to the iPhone users in the U.K., don’t be caught off guard. Spam texts are still being sent regarding blocked Apple-ID’s due to failed log-in attempts. The more recent Apple scam is a text to your iPhone regarding your lost iPhone being found from Find My iPhone (doesn’t make sense right?!).

Requesting Personal and Financial Information

It just never ends for the U.K. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) also became a victim as their name was used in a number of emails, texts and telephone calls asking citizens to confirm personal or financial information.

The DVLA warned the public of the scams with the following:

“We don’t send emails or text messages with links to websites asking you to confirm your personal details or payment information. We strongly advise anyone who receives such a request not to open the link and delete the item.”

“I booked a trip where?”

As for apps and social sites, their popularity has placed them on the scammer radar hit list. If you’re an avid Uber user, you may receive pre-arranged Uber trips that you don’t even remember booking. If so, IGNORE IT!

Political Campaign Bandwagon

Lastly, it’s not a surprise if you’re receiving text messages from Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump. Whether they are spam texts bashing one another or a message for self promotion, a number of consumers have questioned how they even got on either candidate’s list! Just know it’s the political season and it’s only the beginning.